The latest news from us

As the future of rail retailing evolves, there’s a major opportunity to grow industry revenue, cut costs, and rebuild passenger confidence – not by focusing solely on transactions, but by selling the experience of travel.

With the rail reform consultation now closed, the big question is: what’s next? 

Independent Rail Retailers is proud to support Campaign for Better Transport‘s Better Transport Week 2025! This year’s theme is all about how better transport helps connect communities and build a fairer, greener future. We’re celebrating the role of rail in making those connections possible – and championing the work our members do every day to […]

Anthony Smith, Chair at Independent Rail Retailers has responded to Christian Wolmar’s sentiments on ‘How Great British Railways can help lift the gloom’.

Independent rail retailers are changing the game for rail travel in Great Britain

For years, the annual fare rise cycle was a triple own goal for the rail industry. The dreaded January price hikes arrived at the worst possible time – after Christmas, in the cold and dark, when commuters were already reluctant to return to work. It made for great headlines, but bad optics. 

With the announcement that Great British Railways is going to be selling its own tickets, the future for the retail market is going to be very competitive and consumer-focused.

The way we buy train tickets in Britain is changing. With the government pressing ahead with rail reform, now is the time to ask: what do passengers actually want? Find out more from our Chair, Anthony Smith in the latest issue of Passenger Transport.

Independent Rail Retailers welcome this long-awaited step towards rail reform and the Government’s commitment to working with the private retail sector to create a fair, competitive market that delivers better value for passengers and taxpayers.

Independent Rail Retailers (IRR) are pleased to announce Omio as the latest addition to its growing network of members.

Following the announcement of Great British Railways’ plans for online rail ticket retailing, Anthony Smith, Chair of Independent Rail Retailers, said…

Anthony Smith, Chair of Independent Rail Retailers, recently joined industry leaders at the Railway Industry Association’s Future of Rail Series: Demand.

Independent Rail Retailers welcome the Rail Sale to help passengers save even more money. 

Independent Rail Retailers are proud sponsor’s of Railway Industry Association’s Future of Rail: Demand event.

We’re on a mission to grow the market for rail travel by making it simpler, easier and better value to travel by train. That’s why we’ve partnered with Transport Ticketing Global to showcase key industry developments and cutting-edge ticketing solutions from around the world.

Last month, Anthony Smith, Chair at the IRR, took part in Transport Ticketing Global’s Travel & Transport Payments Week: Digital Edition seminar.

“Cost pressures are bearing down on the rail industry. Revenue is rising, but not fast enough to cover the £2 billion gap between operating subsidy and income. How can the government move forward?” Find out more from the Chair of the IRR in the latest RailReview article.

Anthony Smith, Chair at Independent Rail Retailers hosted the Ticketing panel at the annual Railway Industry Association conference, bringing together Mark Plowright, Divya Prashanth, Martin Howell and Stewart Fox-Mills from across the rail sector to discuss the future of fares, ticketing, and retail.

“Now more than ever, passengers are seeking the best value for their money. Here at Independent Rail Retailers, our members work to make travel more affordable and convenient.”

“The railway needs to become a more retail-oriented organisation…People have choices about when to travel, how to travel and whether to travel at all”

“IRR members are passionate about making it simpler for customers to choose to travel by rail, and helping the industry fill empty seats”.

Read Rail Director magazine’s interview with Anthony Smith, Chair of IRR, as he discusses the vital role that independent retailers must play in the future of rail ticketing, and his own immediate priorities for the year ahead.

With no need for government funding, independent rail retailers could generate significant additional revenue for the railways. Read more in the latest edition of Passenger Transport, where Chair of the IRR, Anthony Smith dives into the role of independent rail retailers.

Watch the latest episode of the Green Signals podcast where the Chair of Independent Rail Retailers talks about the opportunities and challenges in the rail sector.

Discover more about how independent rail retailers can boost train usage and revenue, aiding the new government in creating a thriving rail industry.

Anthony Smith became the new Chair of Independent Rail Retailers (IRR) today after stepping down from his role as Chief Executive at Transport Focus.

Following today’s launch of the Virgin Trains Ticketing ‘Charter for Change’,  Anthony Smith, Chairman of Independent Rail Retailers said…